Just to prove that Jesuits do all things, John took time over the years to develop a set of skills which made him a recognized expert in restoring old grandfather clocks.

View remembrances

John E. Bernbrock

Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of Fr. John E. Bernbrock, SJ, who died on November 11, 2016, at St. Camillus Jesuit Community in Wauwatosa, Wis. He was 89 years old, a Jesuit for 72 years, and a priest for 60 years.

Born in Aurora, Ill., on November 25, 1926, John attended grade school in Aurora and at Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie du Chien, Wis., before entering the Society on February 4, 1944, at St. Stanislaus Seminary in Florissant, Mo. John had the usual Jesuit course of studies at St. Stanislaus, Saint Louis University, and St. Mary's College. He was ordained a priest on June 20, 1956, made tertianship in Decatur, Ill., and pronounced his final vows on August 15, 1961. John earned a PhD in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1961.

John did his regency at Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha from 1951 to 1953. Immediately after completing doctoral studies, he was assigned to what was then the Korean Mission to teach at what was then Sogang College. John ministered in Korea from 1961 to 1970 and saw the young mission begin to grow into what is today the Province of Korea and the young college begin to grow into what is today Seoul University. From 1970 to 1986, John taught English at Marquette University High School in Milwaukee. From 1986 until he moved to St. Camillus in 2010, he served in various parishes in Mankato, Minn., Tampa, Fla., Charlotte, N.C., and Scottsdale, Ariz.

John was an admirable Jesuit: an excellent teacher, a good pastor, and a lively member of the Jesuit communities in which he lived. He had many, many friends, Jesuit and lay. Just to prove that Jesuits do all things, John took time over the years to develop a set of special skills which made him a recognized expert in restoring old grandfather clocks.

Guests are invited to share their memories and remembrances.
Comments are posted below after moderation

Your name
Your email
Your comment

Display my name in comments
Notify me when comment is added.

Publications

Jesuits Fall/Winter 2017

Jesuits Summer 2017

Jesuits Spring 2017

November 20, 20161:48 PM

Our Dearest Fr. John, Our hearts our sad at your passing but also rejoicing because we know that you ran into the arms of Jesus. Such memories of you we will carry in our hearts and we know that you are praying for us. Thank you for celebrating at our wedding. Your passing was the same as Tom's dad, one year earlier. We love you and God bless you our dear saint. Amen. –
Tom & Theresa Woodley

November 28, 201611:44 AM

Thank you for blessing me with your wonderful friendship these many years. You were a special man and a special priest-always positive and happy and making everyone around you happy too. I loved you dearly. You will be sorely missed but well remembered always. May you rest in peace my dear Father John.
Shirley Voorhees.
Scottsdale Arizona –
shirley voorhees

December 24, 20169:12 AM

The H.W. Bernbrock Family of Quincy IL is tremendously saddened to learn of the death of Father John. For many years we have been in touch with John who blessed our lives in multiple ways. He was a tower of strength for us both in good and challenging times as we live our beloved Catholic faith. May He rest in peace knowing that daily He will be remembered at mass and in our thoughts and prayers.
Elizabeth and Greg Bernbrock
Atlanta, GA –
Greg Bernbrock

August 12, 201710:54 AM

I just found out today about Father John's passing last November. He was our mother's (Virginia Bernbrock Keck) cousin. The last time we saw him was at her burial in Chicago in July 2014. He made a special effort to be there and it meant the world to our family to have him there and say a special blessing. Mom and Fr John 'reconnected' when they were both living in Scottsdale, Arizona where, much to mom's delight, he was the pastor of her church. And that's where we got to know and love him. Our condolences go out to his family and especially to John Bernbrock who we got to meet when he accompanied Fr. John to our mother's burial service. –
Anonymous

Our Mission

The Society of Jesus – Serving the Catholic Church for the greater glory of God.

Get Involved

Click here to sign up for our award-winning enewsletter, learn about upcoming events and participate in our advocacy campaigns.

Support Us

No matter your connection to the Society of Jesus, there is an opportunity for you to partner with the Jesuits and become part of their work.